Need some input...

I would suggest training and testing in an automatic. You'll have a restriction on your license but you'll be able to fulfill your dream.

 

Check around with some trucking company schools and ask about the automatics.
Celadon
Millis Transfer
Southern Refrigerated Transport
CRST
Swift
Schneider - school is in Gary,IN
O&S Trucking

 

The clock isn't ticking at the age of 52. I got back into trucking at the age of 56 after driving off and on in my early 20's. In orientation at Swift I wasn't the youngest "newbie". When I was a trainer I had a couple of trainees older than me.

This is an industry that considers age and a good record to be valuable.

 

Age is never a problem in this business. As far as I'm concerned, you a young buck to the Megas out there

 

This is where a free rolling dyno setup would be great so students could figure the shifting dynamic without actually driving.

 

i cant double clutch either, mainly because i try to not use the clutch, and ive never been that good at backing, got my cdl in 96 so keep at it, its not rocket science out here

 

You really aren't missing much. A 14 hour clock that takes all your time away. Crowded truck stops at 4pm. Idiot drivers big trucks and 4wheelers who are trying to qualify for Daytona. Crapy roads that will break your back. Companies who never answer the phone. Smelly drivers in the lounge who would rather watch CSI instead of washing their funky...& last but not least missing Alabama!! Roll tide over the competition!!

 

1.) How to Shift.

Every little kid knows how to shift. Ask them to make the noise of a truck revving up. The noise starts soft and then gets louder. Once it reaches a certain sound you shift. That is all there is to it. You shift by ear. Learn the sound and you know how to shift.

2.) How to back up.

Slide your tandems all the way to the rear. Remember, your trailer will only track one way. It will not go to the left one time and to the right the next. It always goes one way or the other. When you look into the mirror the trailer will run away from your hand. If it is tracking to the drivers side, move your hand toward the drivers side. If it is going away from the drivers side move your hand clock wise or toward the passengers side. That is all there is to it. Small movements and there is a lag so be on top of it and drive slowly. Always get out and look.

If I can drive a truck anyone can.